Banishing Pantry Bugs

Question

I found bugs in a box of cereal. Will I need to throw out everything? -- Sharon Gottlieb, Las Vegas, NV

Answer

Maybe not. First, check shelves for infestations of weevils (black or brown beetlelike bugs) or mealybugs (grayish-brown moths). If you see insects, remove food items from the area and inspect boxes. Of course, any bug-infested products will have to be thrown out. Next, scrub the shelves really well with hot, sudsy water. Let dry, then spray the pantry area with a kitchen-safe insecticide and close the cupboard door for several hours. In the future, store grain products in glass jars or sealed plastic bags to prevent bugs from migrating to other items.

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